Erik ten Hag sends warning to Man Utd fans as club announce contract extension for manager

Erik ten Hag has signed a contract extension at Manchester United to keep him as manager until 2026.

Ten Hag's future had been the subject of intense speculation in the final months of the 2023/24 campaign, with United's owners INEOS reportedly holding talks with several managers over potentially replacing the Dutchman this summer.

But after speaking to several candidates, including Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel, United opted to keep the former Ajax manager after he won the FA Cup in the final match of the domestic campaign against rivals Manchester City.

Ten Hag had just one year left on his previous deal ahead of the 2024/25 campaign but has now signed an extension to remain at Old Trafford until 2026.

His job title will remain as 'first team manager', despite the recent changes in management structure at United - with Dan Ashworth confirmed as sporting director earlier this week.

"I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together," Ten Hag told the club's website.

"Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined.

"However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles.

"In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that journey together."

ESPN journalist Mark Ogden has confirmed that Ten Hag had signed a contract extension, rather than a new deal.

Ten Hag won the FA Cup last season (Image: Getty)

"Worth stressing that Utd already had a 12-month option on ETH contract to take him to 2026," tweeted Ogden.

"So this is exactly that. Option triggered rather than a new contract, as Rob states, on existing terms."

In a statement on United's website, Ashworth explained United's decision to keep Ten Hag as manager despite an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

"With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football," said Ashworth.

"While the club's review of last season highlighted areas for improvement, it also reached a clear conclusion that Erik was the best partner for us to work with in driving up standards and outcomes.

"This group of players and staff have already shown they are capable of competing and winning at the top level; now we need to do it more consistently.

"With our strengthened football leadership team now in place, we are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Erik to achieve our shared ambitions for this football club."

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